Archive pictures show the changing face of Clacton Pavilion

LIKE those riding the town’s new big wheel, we were left on a real high after receiving these archive photos from Clacton Pavilion.

They show the seafront area, near the pier, in previous guises down the years.

The next three pages illustrate how the pavilion has changed dramatically and one of them features boxer Henry Armstrong.

The American trained in Clacton ahead of his 1939 fight with Ernie Roderick, then British champion.

Armstrong, who once held three world titles at the same time, is considered one of the greatest-ever fighters and the restaurant at the pavilion is named after him.

The pictures have been reproduced with kind permission of the Clacton and District Local History Society.

Norman Jacobs, chairman of the popular Facebook group, said: “The pavilion has been through a number of ups and downs in its time which have, to a large extent, mirrored the fortunes of Clacton.

“Different people of different ages will have their own memories.

“It’s great that it’s now enjoying a renaissance as an attractive entertainment and amusement centre, right at the heart of the town’s main tourist area, along with the pier.”